“It’s dogwood time in Tennessee”

Luncheon hosts Bill and Ginger Baxter

With those signature words of his, beloved radio legend Bobby Denton — also “the voice of Neyland Stadium” during football season — on Wednesday officially opened the 2010 Dogwood Arts Festival’s trails and gardens.

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect: a spring luncheon under a huge tent in the impressive gardens of Fountain City residents Bill and Ginger Baxter. Knoxville’s Betsey Creekmore shared the history of the Dogwood Festival, which is celebrating its 50th year. The event was started by Creekmore’s mother, also named Betsey Creekmore, and Martha Ashe, whose son would later become Knoxville’s longest serving mayor. The community immediately rallied behind the Dogwood Trails and the Dogwood Festival, mostly as a response to the outrage Knoxvillians felt when author John Gunther described what he called the “disgusting ugliness” of their hometown in his 1947 book, “Inside USA.”

Eight open gardens, seven trails, five by-ways and one walking trail opened yesterday.

Wednesday’s event was anything but ugly. Keyboardist Andrew Duncan of Fountain City United Methodist Church provided music and the Crowne Plaza provided the lunch and service. Mayor Bill Haslam delivered a proclamation, as did Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale’s chief of staff, Mike Arms. Jim Talley, who was chairman of the first Dogwood Festival in 1961, attended and was recognized. More than 200 people enjoyed Wednesday’s luncheon, but the Baxters’ gardens are open to the public for the rest of the month during the festival.

In fact, there are 60 miles of trails, open gardens, camera sites and historic homes to be explored. Co-chairs of this year’s Dogwood Arts Festival are Jean Greer and Mike Hammond. Here is a link to the overall Festival Web site.

These are some upcoming highlights:

• Market Square Art Fair; this weekend.
• Rhythm N’ Blooms — 40 performers in nine venues; Apr. 16-18.
• Chalk Walk on Market Square and Krutch Park; April 17 and 18.
• Diva Luncheon — a fashion show of wearable art; April 20 at the Foundry.
• Dogwood Parade; Apr. 23 at 7 p.m.
• Dogwood Mile — a foot race down Gay Street; Apr. 23 at 8:30 p.m.
• Party on the Square — food and music on Market Square; Apr. 23 at 9 p.m.
• Bikes and Blooms — bike ride on the Sequoyah Hills Trail; Apr. 24 at 9 a.m.

See you on the trails!

Colorful "feather" banners marked the entrance to Wednesday's luncheon.

The Baxters' gardens are blessed by a beautiful setting.

Bobby Denton was the emcee Wednesday. In 1996 he and Linda Workman, pictured here, co-chaired the festival.

City Councilman Joe Bailey and Congressman Jimmy Duncan enjoyed the festivities.

City Councilman Duane Grieve, Marsha Grieve (center), and Councilman Marilyn Roddy

From left, Mike Arms, County Commissioner Ed Shouse and County Commissioner Finbarr Saunders

Lisa Duncan, executive director of the Dogwood Arts Festival, and Eddie Mannis, president of the board

Jack Lail and Deanene Catani of the News Sentinel. (Thanks for inviting me to sit with you guys!)

County Commissioner R. Larry Smith and his wife, Sharon. The luncheon was held in Smith's district.

Phyllis Nichols, head of the Urban League, and Children's Hospital CEO Keith Goodwin

Just like everybody else, Janet Testerman is in rapt attention as Bobby Denton tells a story!

There was one party crasher! This is Flash, whom Bill Baxter described as "the slowest dog in the world." He belongs to a neighbor and only visits when the Baxters have a party. He was very friendly and made himself at home in the party tent.

Lunch, provided by the Crowne Plaza, was a delicious salad topped with roasted chicken and raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Folks have meticulously groomed their gardens for your viewing pleasure - so get out there!